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Art Dubai Confirms Scaled-Back May ‘Special Edition’ With Free Entry

War-related travel and shipping snags force a regional pivot with a sales-linked fee model.

Overview

  • Organizers, who detailed the plan Wednesday, set May 15–17 at Madinat Jumeirah with a VIP preview on May 14 and said entry will be free, with plans subject to government security guidance.
  • The fair shrinks to roughly 50 gallery exhibitors, with the overall program reaching about 75 presentations once institutional and partner projects are included.
  • About 60 percent of participants come from the Gulf and Southwest Asia, reflecting a shift toward galleries with deep ties to the region.
  • Galleries will pay booth costs as a percentage of sales capped at the usual stand fee, which cuts upfront costs during uncertain travel and freight conditions.
  • Major partners such as Sharjah Art Foundation, Barjeel, Alserkal Avenue and Art Jameel will add exhibitions, commissions, performances and moving-image works to bolster the leaner edition.